Wianki

Wianki ("Wreaths", in English) is a cyclical cultural event, taking place annually in Kraków at the bend of Wisła river, near the Wawel hill.

History

In its current form of a mass cultural event, Wianki has existed since 1992, when the patronage of this event was taken over by the Kraków City Hall. However, the tradition of organising cultural events at this spot during summer solstice reaches back a long time. The festival was primarily a pagan religious event - Noc Kupały. After adopting Christianity by Poland, the tradition did not die, hoverver, its context was changed: the night's name became "Sobótka", or "Noc Świętojańska" ("St. John's Night"). Some elements of the original festival remained, such as telling fortunes, letting wreaths float on water, jumping over bonfires or burning herbs. When Polish territory was annexed by Austria, especially after Kraków was incorporated into Austro-Hungarian state, "Wianki" became a patriotic manifestation, when Wanda, the legendary princess from the legend of prince Krak (the founder of Kraków) was commemorated. Before World War I "Wianki" was organised by institutions such as Polskie Towarzystwo Gimnastyczne "Sokół" ("Sokół" Polish Gimnastic Society).

After World War II "Wreaths" became a "light and sound" event - a large-scale open-air performance The event was partly a dramatic show (which featured theatre plays) and a final firework show. In the 1970s media patronage was unknown in Poland, but Gazeta Krakowska performed a form of it over the festival.

After martial law was introduced in 1981, "Wreaths" were not officially organised until 1992. Starting that year, the event is the largest annual cultural event, covering music and other performances, a competition for the most beautiful wreath, firework shows and other attractions

Music performers during the show (starting 2000)

*2000 - Brathanki, Maanam
*2001 - the event was cancelled due to heavy rainfalls
*2002 - Myslovitz, Renata Przemyk
*2003 - Kayah
*2004 - De Mono, Reni Jusis
*2005 - Budka Suflera, Krystyna Prońko, Izabela Trojanowska, Patrycja Gola, Felicjan Andrzejczak, Sebastian Riedel
*2006 - Polish performers: Krzysztof Kiljański, T.Love, Lech Janerka. International performers: Marillion, Lou Bega
*2007 Polish performers: Daab, dn|Lombard, Mr. Zoob, Róże Europy, Banda i Wanda. International performers: Alphaville, Bananarama, Desireless, Gazebo

External links

* [http://www.krakow.pl/miasto/tradycje/?id=wianki.html History of "Wreaths" in krakow.pl internet service]